Are Expensive Scented Candles Worth It?

Let’s be honest—when you see a candle priced at $50 or more, it’s natural to ask: Are expensive candles really worth it? Or are you just paying for a fancy label and some packaging?

The answer? It depends—but often, yes, a higher-priced candle is worth the investment.

Whether you’re a candle connoisseur or someone buying a gift that feels a little more special, let’s break down why luxury candles, like the ones we craft at Wick Guru, may be worth every cent.

Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Candles?

Absolutely. One of the biggest differences lies in the ingredients and craftsmanship.

  • Cheap candles often use paraffin wax, which is petroleum-based and can emit toxins when burned.

  • Luxury candles are usually made with coconut-soy or soy wax, which burn cleaner and last longer.

Not to mention, high-end candles typically use phthalate-free, essential oil-based fragrances, offering complex, layered scents that don’t give you headaches or fade in minutes.

Why Do People Buy Expensive Candles?

Because they’re not just buying a scent—they’re buying an experience.

Expensive candles are:

  • Long-lasting and slow-burning

  • Aesthetic (perfect for home decor or gifting)

  • Rich in fragrance, even before you light them

  • Made in small batches or by hand (hello, attention to detail)

People want something that makes them feel calm, cosy, and taken care of. That’s where premium candles shine.

How Much Should You Spend on a Candle?

There’s no single right answer, but here’s a helpful range:

  • Under $10: Often mass-produced, synthetic scents, faster burn

  • $15–30: Mid-tier with better wax and scent quality

  • $35–65: Luxury brands like offers  beautiful packaging, clean ingredients, and strong, elegant scent throws

  • $70+: Designer-label candles (e.g., Diptyque, Cire Trudon) with prestige appeal and brand markup

Many ask “Why are candles so expensive?” The short answer: better ingredients, safer burns, and artisanal craftsmanship that big brands just can’t match

You’re not just buying wax—you’re investing in the mood, quality, and health of your space.

Do More Expensive Candles Last Longer?

In many cases, yes. Better ingredients mean:

  • Slower burn time

  • Even wax melt, especially with wood wicks or properly trimmed cotton wicks

  • Stronger cold throw (smell even when it’s not burning)

💬 Customer Spotlight – Stuart N.

“I’m not normally one to buy candles but I got the buttery croissant one for my girlfriend and the smell is unbelievable. The candle itself is slightly smaller than I expected, not that it’s an issue because the smell is so much stronger than the previous Jo Malone candle I got her. I could genuinely smell this throughout the whole house before it was even lit. 10/10.”

That’s the kind of scent payoff and quality you get from a brand like Wick Guru.

Luxury Candle Recommendations

If you're wondering which luxury candles are worth the splurge, these bestsellers from Wick Guru are the perfect place to start. Hand-poured with natural soy wax, vegan, phthalate-free fragrances, and lead-free cotton wicks, these candles deliver exceptional quality and scent throw—without the luxury price tag.

Buttery Croissant Candle – £35

This high-end scented candle smells just like a warm croissant straight from a Parisian bakery. Cosy, nostalgic, and beautifully subtle, it’s become a fan favourite for good reason.

Buttery Croissant Candle

Tealight Set – £42

Explore 8 unique candle scents in one luxurious sample set.
Ideal for first-time candle buyers, thoughtful gifts, or those looking to discover their signature home scent. Each tealight is hand-poured with clean-burning soy wax, offering a long-lasting fragrance experience in a compact form.

Tealight Candle

Are Expensive Candles Worth It? Reddit Thinks So, and So Do We.

If you browse Reddit threads on luxury candles, you’ll see the same sentiment repeated: once you experience a truly good candle, you never go back. It’s not about being bougie—it’s about treating yourself to small, meaningful luxuries that improve your day-to-day life.

Whether it’s your daily wind-down ritual, a special gift, or a way to elevate your space—a premium candle is worth the splurge.

What Makes Wick Guru Worth It?

  • Clean-burning natural soy wax

  • Phthalate-free fragrances

  • Small-batch, hand-poured production

  • Long-lasting, balanced scent throw

  • Designed for scent lovers with even the most sensitive noses

So yes, expensive candles can be worth it—when they’re made right. And at Wick Guru, that’s exactly what we do.

Ready to try your first luxury candle without breaking the bank?
 👉 Explore our collections here.

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